Don't Blow a Gasket

Blowing a gasket is a serious problem for an engine.  What are signs that a gasket might be blown?

·        -- Coolant leak

·         --Smoke from exhaust

·         --Loss of coolant but no visible leaks

·         --Overheating engine

·         --Poor running engine

What is needed to keep this from happening---“Prevention”?

·         --Check engine temperature

·         --Check fluid levels and hoses for leaks

·         --Watch for fluid loss on the ground below the engine

Prevention is key to keeping the engine running correct and avoiding a blown gasket.

What about officials?  How do we keep from “blowing a gasket”—keeping our “cool” on and off the field.  What are signs that we are headed to blowing our gasket?

·         ** Feeling pressure from coaches

·         **Being impatient with crewmates

·         **Grades from game review upset us

·         **Players disrespect officials on the field

If we can identify those things that lead us to possibly blowing a gasket, we can hopefully “prevent” a bad situation.  So, what things can we do to “Prevent” a blown gasket:

·        ** Listen, don’t always think we have to solve a situation. Remember, coaches don’t always want an explanation, they want to be heard.

·         **Explain only after listening and knowing the situation.  This applies to people on our crew as well as coaches, administrators, players.

·         **Compliment and correct players. Don’t just be negative with them.

·         **Accept grades for what they are….learning tool.

One key Prevention for us is this…Find what fuels our anger and frustration.  Anger and frustration are secondary emotions triggered when something is wrong and needs our attention.  It’s important not bury the emotion.  We don’t always have to speak, but we do need to release the emotion. 

"Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control." Proverbs 25:28 

Self-Control—once we identify our source of anger and frustration, exercising self-control is critical to keeping our gasket from blowing.  In Proverbs 25: 28, the symbol of walls used in this verse is important because in Biblical times, walls protected the city.  Without the walls, the city was vulnerable to any who wanted to attack.  Treat self-control the same—it’s our wall.  My choice is whether to give someone else the power to control my emotions—to enter thru my wall!

Don’t transfer your power to someone, keep your self-control.